Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar to induct Mickky Pacheco, Avertano Furtado in his ministry

PANAJI: The BJP-led Goa government has decided to induct two more alliance legislators in the cabinet.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar announced here today that Goa Vikas Party MLA Miccky Fransisco Pacheco and Independent MLA Avertano Furtado would be sworn in on Saturday.

Parsekar took over as Chief Minister on November 8. His cabinet currently has nine ministers, all members of the previous Manohar Parrikar-led dispensation.

But Furtado, who was also a part of the Parrikar ministry, was left out.

The Chief Minister said portfolios would be distributed by tomorrow. The two new ministers would get their portfolios on Saturday, after the swearing-in.

Induction of Furtado and Pacheco would give more stability to the government, he said, adding that BJP had fought the Lok Sabha elections with the support of these two.

It would also provide representation to the Salcette constituency (a Catholic-dominated area), he said.

"I also want to state that of the total 12 ministers, four are catholics, which means we have given 33 per cent representation to the minorities," he said.

To a question, Parsekar admitted that some BJP legislators wanted somebody from the party to be inducted, but they were convinced to drop the demand.

No "condition" has been imposed on Pacheco and Furtado for their inclusion in the ministry, he said.